Decisions

Decisions matter.  Sometimes it may not seem like it, but the things which we choose to allow ourselves to think and see and do - these things matter.  So often in life we have a backwards view of decisions.  By this, I mean that we tend to look back at the decisions that we have made in the past and evaluate them based upon their "successfulness" - which usually means, how happy or contented or beneficial to me was the decision I made.  A bad decision becomes one that causes me or someone else harm.  A good decision brings pleasure.  This is the template that we usually use when we are evaluating the decisions that we have made. 
One problem with this style of living is that we are always making our next decision based upon the results of the previous decision.  So if something made me happy I will choose to do it again.  I am convinced that as a Christian I need a different template for making choices. 
The first thing that I believe needs to change is the evaluative measure that I use in decision making.  I am not the center of the universe.  I need to consider not what makes me happy, but what pleases God who created me.  Joshua encourages the people of Israel to "choose for yourselves today whom you will serve. . ." (Joshua 24:15 NASB)  I believe that this is the center of biblical decision making.  I do not make decisions that will make me happy, I choose to make decisions that please God.  And in doing so I find that the natural result is my own joy. 
The second thing that I believe is fundamental to making decisions as a believer is which direction I look.  I believe that a Christian should not evaluate based solely on the past, but on the present and future as well.  Is this decision one that will have future ramifications on my relationship with God, with others, or on myself? 
There are many other factors that we should consider when making a decision, but ultimately, if we can get these two criteria at the forefront of our decision making, I believe we will be doing well.   But I want to illustrate what this looks like.  Allow me to use a hypothetical situation that may be all too common.
Joe Smith (any similarities to persons real or fictional is completely unintentional) is sitting in front of his TV wondering what to watch.  Most of the time he will choose to watch something that makes him laugh or cry or rage (the rage part is for all you Lions fans).  But the primary and perhaps only thing that Joe will consider is what makes him happy and what has in the past brought him enjoyment.  I am suggesting that Joe consider what would make God pleased and what impact what He chooses will have on his present and his future, regardless of what past decisions he has made. 
Please do not misunderstand - I am not suggesting that the answer to Joe's decision will be the same every time or that there is something inherently wrong with a decision to relax and watch TV.  God wants us to enjoy this abundant life we have in Christ and enjoy our limited time here on earth.  I am suggesting that Joe use a different set of criteria to determine what he is doing and what he should watch.  And TV is only one area where this becomes an issue.  We should consider these things in our financial decisions, our family decisions, our occupational decisions, etc.  If we are to be a living sacrifice as Romans 12 calls us to do, then perhaps we need to consider that we should make God primary and consider each decision under a different set of criteria.  For me, the criteria of considering God and others before self is difficult enough to last me a lifetime of growth!